Who has ever walked in a pair of socks that are just not made to fit your foot? If your hand is raised, there is a good chance you are part of the size 12 and up club. The struggle is very very real.

Everyone is incredibly different, and our feet are no exception. With all the different widths, heights, thickness, shapes and sizes, it’s no wonder finding the perfect pair of socks can be much like trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. It can be so frustrating to walk in a pair of socks that just ain’t right, plus it can cause back pain, orthopaedic issues and even something called bunions – GASP! If you don’t know what a bunion is, trust us, you don’t want to…

The fact of the matter is the larger your feet, the fewer options you have to choose from. There are shops out there that do offer you some options, but in all seriousness who wants to be caught purchasing socks from Boringbigsocks.com. Not a savvy, style conscious person of the future like yourself. That’s who!

All jokes, puns and satirical references aside, we have a learned a thing or two selling socks over the years. Dang Canada, some of you have some big feet!

Well, you begged, and pleaded, and guess what? We listened! We were in denial about the severity of this nation-wide problem for quite a while, but we have officially decided to do our part to end madness! Are you sitting down? XL mismatched socks are now available on our online store and at select retail locations – let’s pause for a celebration!

When we tracked down Adam - Chief Sock Officer for Friday Sock Co., he made it clear how important this was for the future of socks. “When I decided to launch an XL mismatched sock collection, I knew it would be a big feat. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I truly believe this is one giant step for mankind.”

These socks will fit men’s size 12 - 15 (up to size 16 if you keep them out of the dryer), and women’s size 14 +. They’re designed right here in Canada and ethically produced in Italy using OKEO-TEX certified Egyptian Combed Cotton. Every sock has a reinforced toe and heel, and the yarn blend extends throughout the top of the cuff for extra durability and comfort.

These socks will be available in a variety of some of our best selling mismatched designs and will give your feet the confidence and comfort they need to make big strides in life. Get it? Big strides. Cause… big socks! Ok, moving on.

If you're unsure of how to wear these socks this summer? Check out our guide to wearing mismatched socks this summer on our blog. Your welcome!

Hold on to your socks, because it’s officially the first day of summer – hurray! It’s time to put away all of those layers and so-called in-between ‘transition’ pieces and bring out your shorts, flip flops, and tanks in preparation for the glorious abundance of heat that this season brings.

However, what do you do with your socks, specifically your Friday Socks? We have news for you - socks are in this summer, but not just any socks, mismatched ones. That’s right! They are this season’s must-have accessory that will give your feet a break from those dreadfully bland white knee-highs that your Grandma just loves to buy you. They will provide your look with the pop of colour that it’s been missing since the tie-die craze of the 90’s – in a less tacky and florescent way of course.

They will allow you to bring your usual street wear up a notch by playing with different colours and textures, and allowing your feet to play a leading role in determining your summer 2017 style. From a casual Sunday bike ride, to a cocktail bar on a Friday night, your mismatched calf-huggers can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion and will have you standing out in any crowd.

The key: choosing the right pair the both contrasts and compliments your look at the same time – easy peasy!

Not sure where to get started? Here are 8 trendy ways for both men and women to wear Friday Socks this summer that you simply can’t miss out on!

Business casual with a twist

If you’re working in the corporate world of 9-5, there is generally not a ton of flexibility to play around with personal style. Interject this cookie cutter look, by throwing a subtle explosion of colour on your ankles that will tie your outfit together, catch the eye and insert some life into your daily humdrum attire. There is nothing like a pair of burger and fries socks to cheer up the office on a dreary Monday morning!

Skirt + socks + heels

Yes ladies, we said it! According to Vogue, even Kylie Jenner is adapting this funky style that shocked the runways last year. If heels really aren’t your thing, a pair of Adidas Superstars are perfectly acceptable for a more Athleisure look. We have cupcake, watermelon, floral and even cat socks that will take your outfit from drab to fab. If Kylie validated it, it’s got to be the next hottest trend right?

Knee high joggers

That’s right; yank those socks up real high, because this 80’s workout trend is back! Whether you’re at the gym, or for a brisk run in the great outdoors, this is probably one of the most practical, comfiest and fashionable decisions you’ll make all summer. We even have football or bike themed socks for extra motivation!

Dress for the occasion

Whether you’re attending the Calgary Stampede, Canada Day or Ride Your Bike to Work Day, always arrive in style and dressed to the nines. This is a fun way to subtly incorporate the motif of the festivities into your attire, while adding your individual stamp to the dress code.

Socks and Sandals

Despite the many debates, socks and sandals are officially on the “cool” end of the fashion spectrum. However, there is still a fine line that you have to watch out for between the safari Sam and the tacky tourist faux pas - neither of these are looks you want to emulate. Instead take this practical style and turn it into a chic and playful look that will be sure to catch people’s attention and show off your toned calves.

Day of the week socks

In the 90’s we did underwear, now we have moved on to socks! However, rather than being labeled for each individual day, it’s up to you how you want to label them. Try taco Tuesday, Caffeinated Monday, Donut Friday, Adventure Saturday, Travel Tuesday –whatever gets you through the week!

Match your current craving

Everyone has their favourite comfort food so what better than to add it into your personal style! Acknowledge current colour trends and elevate your look by trying a pair of timeless burger and fries, pancakes and maple syrup, or Ice Cream Popsicle socks. You can even encourage healthy habits by wearing our veggie sock design – 100% gluten free by the way.

Dress up a pair of loafers and trousers

The English were on to something when they invented these two mainstay fashion items, but they were missing one thing – colour! Generally both of these staples are not cheap, so instead of breaking the bank on various shades of brown trousers, mix-it-up with a different colour ankle grazer and make that the vocal point of your look. You’ll be the most dapper one in the room – we promise.

When you visit a town or a city, ultimately you’re there to experience the culture that is deeply rooted within people, architecture, fashion, design and art. Street art is a combination of all of all of these things and it’s a unique platform to tell a story and connect with the community in a more visual and expressive way. It also adds colour to an otherwise grey concrete jungle!

Calgary recently gained a fun new mural that we are completely in love with! It’s located on the sidewall of the renowned “Lukes Drugmart” in Bridgeland, an up-and-coming neighborhood on the outskirts of the downtown core. Originally, there was a mural on this wall that depicted a forced perspective view of a furniture showroom through a broken wall that was painted back in 1996. However, a group of local creatives came together, Beakerhead, Buds of Buds and Bucci (BBB) to be exact, and wanted to maximize this murals full potential, so they created the #becubed initiative. From there this colourful mural was born!

The initial phase of the mural was created by artists, Ivan Ostapenko, Tanner Hamilton, Chris Casso and artistic director Katheryn Pearce.

“During the meetings leading up to the project our team was interested in paying homage to the art we were about to replace, and we decided on keeping the idea of exploring optical illusion and anamorphic perspective, “ says Ivan Ostapenko, Artistic Architect. “To incorporate the city skyline (a suggestion from the client) we were researching patterns that produced other visual effects, and landed on the razzle dazzle camouflage used in WWII on naval vessels. These patterns obscure the real direction and shape of the objects they were applied to, and proved to be a great way to 'erase the corner' as well as to suggest landscape and architectural forms.”

The #becubed initiative was the second phase of the project, which became a crowd sourced competition. Participants from the community painted a pre-fabricated cube and submitted it on social media with the hashtag #becubed. After a process of online voting, Michelle Hoogveld, a local visual artist known for her distinctive use of mixed media and colourful designs, became the chosen artist to complete the mural.

“This mural is something the artists can be proud of, as they worked tirelessly and skillfully to complete it. It is also something the community can be proud of and take ownership over,” expresses Kathryn Pearce, Artistic Director. “The result of the process is an impactful mural that is a perfect fit to Bridgeland-Riverside.”

“I found the experience of painting the mural... large. I mean that literally in a sense of scale, but also in the sense of impact it makes on the community,” remarks Tanner Hamilton, artist.

Here at the Friday HQ we feel so inspired by this entire project! Aside from being a grandiose piece of art that completely brightens up the community, this mural means so much more. It represents connection and shows just how strong people can be when a whole community chips in and collaborates.

It can also be interpreted in so many different ways, which makes the piece incredibly engaging for visitors in the neighborhood. We like to think of it as a reminder to live your life in a non-linear way, keep it interesting, push yourself and work towards the things that bring colour into your life. Plus, it also makes for the perfect backdrop when featuring your Friday Socks on social media – are we right? #becubed

Learn more about Buds of Buds and their exciting upcoming projects that they have on the go here!

Here at the Friday HQ, we continually strive to be connecting with local businesses and brands within the community. We are incredibly excited to announce our most recent sock collaboration with the iconic Canadian brand, WestJet!

It’s no secret that WestJet is Canada’s most beloved airline, and it all started right here in Calgary. What we admire most about this company is their commitment to community investment and their drive to ensure that each and every one of their guests has an amazing customer service experience – no, we were not paid to say that! In fact, we experienced it during our last trip to Europe. Brand new parents with no clue how to travel with a two-month old. Luckily we were in good hands.

WestJet has also been a huge supporter of our socks from the beginning, and sells a variety of our designs at the WestJet Store located in their YYC headquarters. When the idea was brought up to make a custom sock design for WestJetters (this is how WestJet refers to their employees), there was no hesitation. After a couple of brainstorming sessions the decision was made to make a pattern out of their updated Canadian maple leaf logo which was launched in 2015.

Once the design process was complete we settled on a couple of colour variations for the heel, toe, and top, and moved forward with making the socks in two sizes: a Mid-Calf Men’s 7-12 / Women’s 8-13, as well as a Crew Women’s 5-10 / Men’s 4 - 8.

The next, and very important step, was to pick the yarn colours. This was a really fun meeting/brainstorming session at the Starbucks located inside their headquarters, (yes they have their own Starbucks). There is something about comparing yarn swatches and thinking about the different possibilities. There are so many subtle differences that can make a huge impact on what the sock ends up looking like. It really gets you excited about the final product.

The final result of our WestJet sock collaboration features socks with 85% OEKOTEX® certified Egyptian combed cotton, a no-feel toe seam, reinforced heel/toe, and a blue threaded label closure on custom coloured logo tags. As with the rest of our socks, they are also ethically made in Italy.

Currently, the WestJet socks will be sold exclusively at the WestJet Store for WestJetters.

Friday socks are made to put a smile on your face when go to wear them, hence the hilarious and relatable mismatched designs that we are continually coming up with! However, we want the quality of our socks to go beyond the fabric and not only be comfortable but make a positive impact on everyone they come in contact with.

As we all begin to become more educated on the environment and the huge imprint that us humans are making on it, people are beginning to question how and where their things are coming from. It’s no secret these days that the fast fashion industry has patterns of toxic over-consumption, using practices that are harmful to small communities and this beautiful planet that we live on. Mindless materialism is unintentional, but a choice that is made on a daily basis that unfortunately has a major impact internationally.

With this increased awareness, consumers are becoming more conscious of their decisions, which are forcing popular brands to rethink their approach and adopt more sustainable habits. Since fashion is known to be a mirror to what is going on in the world around us, it's only natural that labels, such as Asos Eco Edit, New Balance, H&M, Patagonia and so many more, are incorporating this green way of thinking into their companies and designs.

Here at the Friday HQ, we do our best to abide by these sustainable practices and participate in the ethical fashion movement. For us, it’s important to know that from the time the yarn is harvested to the final moment when our socks are purchased, that we are supporting everyone every step of the way and that our socks are doing good, rather than harming the world in some way shape or form.

Not sure what ethical fashion even is? The International Ethical Fashion Forum defines it as “an approach to the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of clothing, which maximizes the benefits to people and communities while minimizing the impact on the environment.” AKA its fashion that respects both people and the environment within the entire product cycle.

Here are just a few ways that, here at Friday, we are committed to providing a product which is both socially and environmentally conscious!

Friday Socks are made with OEKOTEX® Certified materials: this means that every fiber that our socks are made of are tested on an international standard to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals, substances or colours at every stage of production. Learn more about our certified yarn here!

Manufactured at a family-run factory: Friday proudly supports a 3rd generation sock producer in Northern Italy and in January had the amazing opportunity to visit and get to know the people behind the seams of our socks. There, they knit each sock with love and care, while using processes that are respectful of the environment and provide their workers with safe, clean and healthy working conditions. Everyone was so friendly and by the end of our visit, we felt like we were a part of their family. Stay tuned for more details of our visit in a future post!

Giving back to the local YYC community: this is something that is of huge importance to us, so we regularly donate socks that we are not going to be selling or using to organizations, such as the Mustard Seed and the Calgary Drop In Centre. We also make it a priority to work with different non-for-profits to create collaborations that will benefit their cause.